Vulnerability Research Engineer — Exploit Research & SecOps

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 127,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks a Vulnerability Researcher to join the Cyberspace Operations Research Department. You will research exploitation techniques, apply reverse engineering and vulnerability research, and develop proof-of-concept tools for sponsors and partners, with on-site collaboration at State College, PA.

This role requires clear communication to senior leaders, potential travel to remote locations, and mentoring of junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Documented reverse engineering and vulnerability testing tooling experience.
• Experience with malware analysis and/or cyber operations tool development.
• Knowledge of networking fundamentals and Windows/Linux OS; familiarity with x86_64/ARM/MIPS architectures.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to senior leaders clearly.
• Active government security clearance at TS/SCI level or eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Research cutting edge techniques and technologies for system exploitation.
• Leverage reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and software development to address sponsor needs.
• Create proof-of-concept tools and configure test environments for demonstrations to sponsors.
• Assist department head in maintaining relationships with sponsors through on-site technical discussions and documentation.
• Provide process enhancement for vulnerability analyses, cyberspace operations engineering, and penetration testing projects.
• Apply project management principles to lead tasks or projects; mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Reverse engineering

Vulnerability testing tools

Malware analysis

CNO tool development

Networking fundamentals

Windows & Linux OS

CPU architectures (x86_64/ARM/MIPS)

Cyber operations engineering

Technical communication

Security clearance TS/SCI

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Ghidra

IDA

Kali Linux

Angr/AFL++

QEMU/Unicorn

Job description

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks a Vulnerability Researcher to join the Cyberspace Operations Research Department. You will research exploitation techniques, apply reverse engineering and vulnerability research, and develop proof-of-concept tools for sponsors and partners, with on-site collaboration at State College, PA.

This role requires clear communication to senior leaders, potential travel to remote locations, and mentoring of junior engineers.